Under Construction
Gardening Background
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Biographical Information
Started as a retail nursery carry out over thirty years ago, have been a gardener ever since. Had stints in reatil nursery sales, wholesale nursery production, landscape gardener at Disneyland, exterior landscape maintenance manager, for the last 14 years owner of an interior landscape firm in Orange County.
Born and raised in Southern California. Married with two preteen sons, Have a Siberian Husky and a desert turtle. Would have a cat but the Husky would get the cat. Trust me.
My Mulch Profile
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Occupation
Interior Landscaper -
Gardening Ability
4 - Experienced -
My 5 favorite plants are
Strelitzia Nicholai
Camellia Japonica
Most ornamental grasses
Most Cacti and succulents
Floss silk tree/Carrissa
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What is a garden myth you hear frequently which you know is untrue?
People say they have a black thumb. -
And, what is the reality?
If you plant a rose in deep shade, it's not going to do well. A black thumb is not the cause. gardening takes common sense. -
What is your favorite gardening outfit or costume?
old shorts, an old tee shirt, and old tennis shoes. -
What is the one question about gardening you would really like people to ask you?
How to get started. -
And what's the answer?
It's not brain surgery. Do a little research. If you see something that you like at a local nursery, give it a try. Be patient. -
Who is your own favorite gardening personality on TV, radio or in print? Why?
Martha Stewart...........Just kidding.
Ron Vanderhoff has a great way of writing. -
Do you have a gardening philosophy you would like to share with other gardeners? What is it?
Be patient.
Be careful as to what you purchase for your garden. Listen to a nursery salesperson.
A little research goes a long ways. -
If you could grow only one plant, what would it be?
That's such a hard question.
Maybe Camellia Jaaponica or Aloe's. -
What plant have you tried to grow that has given you the most trouble? Or, what plant would you like to grow and can't, and why?
With patience and the right environment, I've had pretty good luck with everything. -
What is your favorite time in the garden?
We're in Southern California. We can always work in the garden. Early Spring is nice because a major pruning is donee and then the plants take off. -
What is your favorite color in the garden?
Foliage contrasts such as the blue of Blue Fescue and Cereus Peruvianus and Aloes. The purple tinges of Dodonea nad fountain grass.
Salmon, red, and dark purple impatiens make a nice color scheme as well. -
What is your favorite place or activity in the garden?
My backyard is pretty inviting. From the mix of cacti and succulents, along with Giant Birds of Paradise, a couple of water features, a garden railroad, and hopefully soon, a synthetic turf putting green.
In the summer looking over at our turtle munching on weeds or impatiens is also fun to do. -
What is your favorite public or private garden in the world? Why?
Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino, CA.
I'm sure there are many nicer gardens throughout the world, but I've not had the pleasure to visit them yet. -
What individual has influenced your gardening interest the most? How?
Ron Vanderhoff.
No one I know has the same knowledge, passion, and dedication to Horticulture.
Was fortunate to work with him for a few years about thirty years ago. -
Gardening Dilemmas
Moving back into a house after three years of being away and having to completely relandscape. Although fun, still a challenge. At the same time, trying to bring a 60 year old Avocado tree back from deaths bed. Amazing what a good pruning and a bit of water will do.
Determining to remove a mature Camellia Japonicaa because it no longer went with the rest of the landscape. That hurt. -
What do you dislike most about gardening?
Weeding -
What do you like most about gardening?
Being outside, getting dirty. The freedom to move about the garden. You can prune one day, and mow the next.
Seeing positive results from the hard work. -
Company/Organization
Verano Interior Gardens -
Favorite Nursery
Rolling Greens Nursery
Rancho Soledad Nursery
Rogers Gardens -
Cat or Dog person
Both Cat and Dog -
What is your Garden Test Score?
11-15 Now We're Talking
Education
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Interests
motorcycling, garden railroads, cars, mountain biking, playing basketball with my sons
Plant Care Provider Profile
